At First Law Solicitors, we assist clients who cannot obtain a passport from their country of origin to apply for a UK Travel Document.
Whether you are a recognised refugee, stateless person, or someone granted humanitarian protection or discretionary leave, our solicitors prepare, verify, and file applications that meet every evidential and digital compliance requirement under the modern 2026 framework.
A UK Travel Document allows lawful international travel while maintaining your immigration status and residence rights. Our role is to ensure your application is both procedurally correct and strategically secure, avoiding any errors that could jeopardise future settlement or naturalisation applications.
A UK Travel Document is issued by the Home Office under the Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) Rules and the 1951 Refugee Convention. It acts as a substitute for a national passport and is usually valid for multiple journeys over several years, depending on your immigration status.
Applicants generally fall into one of four categories:
Each document has its own eligibility criteria, travel restrictions, and renewal requirements. Our solicitors identify the most suitable category and prepare all supporting evidence accordingly.
As of 1 January 2026, the Home Office processes all travel document applications through the UKVI digital portal, integrated under the Data Use and Access Act 2025 (DUAA).
This system allows applications, identity verification, and evidence uploads to be completed digitally, eliminating the need for physical submission in most cases.
Key digital updates for 2026 include:
While this improves efficiency, it also increases the risk of refusals due to incomplete or inconsistent digital data. Our solicitors ensure all DUAA-linked information, including previous applications, residence records, and status confirmations, is accurate and verified before submission.
Refugees and Those Granted Humanitarian Protection
If you have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, you can apply for a Refugee Travel Document valid for several years.
It enables travel to most countries except your country of origin, as returning there may be viewed by the Home Office as evidence that you no longer require protection.
Stateless Persons
Individuals recognised under the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons can apply for a Stateless Person’s Travel Document.
Our solicitors gather official evidence from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or other recognised authorities to confirm statelessness where required.
Discretionary Leave or Indefinite Leave Holders
If you hold Discretionary Leave or Indefinite Leave to Remain but cannot obtain a passport due to diplomatic or practical reasons, you may qualify for a Certificate of Travel.
We prepare diplomatic correspondence, consular letters, and sworn statements demonstrating the impossibility of securing a passport from your national authorities.
Expired Travel Documents
We also assist with renewals, particularly where the document is due to expire close to the date of a planned trip. Renewal applications must demonstrate that your immigration status remains valid and that no material changes have occurred since the original document was issued.
Travel Restrictions:
Certain countries do not recognise UK-issued Travel Documents. Before travelling, we verify your intended destination’s entry requirements to ensure visa-free or pre-approved access.
Settlement Impact:
Travel outside the UK for more than six consecutive months in any 12-month period can break your continuous residence for settlement. We advise on maintaining lawful residence while using your travel document for necessary trips.
Naturalisation:
When applying for British citizenship, your travel document history becomes part of the “Good Character” assessment. We ensure your travel record aligns with your residence and tax history, preventing inconsistencies that could delay future applications.
DUAA Compliance:
Because all 2026 travel records are linked through DUAA’s digital verification network, inaccuracies in your eVisa profile or travel log can affect future Home Office applications. We perform full DUAA data audits to confirm all records match across systems.
At First Law Solicitors, we go beyond completing forms we build legally precise, digitally compliant applications that anticipate every stage of Home Office scrutiny.
Each client benefits from:
Our goal is to ensure that your right to travel is restored safely, efficiently, and without risk to your status in the United Kingdom.
If you cannot obtain a passport from your country of origin or need assistance applying for or renewing a UK Travel Document, contact First Law Solicitors today.
We provide discreet, expert guidance for refugees, stateless persons, and long-term UK residents seeking international mobility.
Call 0044 161 224 4066
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange a confidential consultation with an immigration solicitor.
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